The 2026 Grammy Awards had a moment fans won’t soon forget when legendary singer Cher accidentally called Kendrick Lamar “Luther Vandross” while presenting the Record of the Year.
Lamar, 38, had just won the award for his track Luther, featuring R&B powerhouse SZA and sampling the late Luther Vandross as well as Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 rendition of If This World Were Mine.
Cher, fresh off receiving her lifetime achievement award, seemed momentarily flustered as she fumbled with the envelope.
“And the Grammy goes to, oh, they told me it was going to be on the prompter, oh, and the Grammy goes to Luther Vandross, no Kendrick Lamar,” she said, prompting laughter from the audience and the stage.
Lamar and SZA Take the Stage Laughing
Kendrick Lamar and SZA made their way to the stage, sharing a laugh with Cher over the slip.
Lamar, smiling broadly, addressed the moment and the song’s significance.
“This is what music is about. Luther Vandross,” he joked before getting serious. “This is special for me.
I gotta take my time because he’s one of my favorite artists of all time, and we had the privilege to do our version of it.
When we got the clearance, I promise you, we definitely all dropped a tear.
We know how much he and Cheryl Lynn put into that record, and being able to add our vocals felt like a true honor.”
He added with a grin, “They said no cursing, though, can’t curse on it—that was the only rule.
And we said, ‘You know what? We’re gonna make sure this song represents love.’
So I want to appreciate and give thanks to SZA.”
SZA Reflects on Hope and Unity
SZA thanked Lamar for lifting her up during the process, then shared an emotional message with the audience.
“I’m just a small part of this record, but what I really wanted to say is, please don’t fall into despair. I know right now is a scary time.
I know the algorithms tell us all is lost, but there have been world wars, plagues, and we’ve endured. We can go on.
We need each other. We need to trust each other, trust ourselves, trust your heart.
We’re not governed by the government, we’re governed by God, and I thank you so much.”
Lamar Dominates the Night
The Record of the Year award capped off an incredible night for Kendrick Lamar, who was the most nominated artist of the evening with nine nods.
He also took home Best Rap Album for GNX, Best Rap Song for TV Off featuring Lefty Gunplay, Best Melodic Rap Performance for Luther, and Best Rap Performance for Chains and Whips with Clipse, Pusha T, Malice, and Pharrell Williams.
A Night to Remember
Between Cher’s lighthearted mistake, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and Lamar’s multiple wins, the 2026 Grammys delivered both laughter and inspiration.
Fans and viewers were reminded that even at the most prestigious awards shows, moments of spontaneity—and joy—can steal the spotlight just as much as the music itself.
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